5 Topics to Avoid on a First Date

Is this really happening? I asked myself. Yes, it was. And as you can imagine, I didn’t return his text for a second date.

And now, so this poor allergy-ridden guy’s efforts won’t go in vain, I’m taking this opportunity to list my top five things not to talk about on a first date. Read them. Memorize them. Don’t talk about them.

Exes Say something good about your ex and it sounds like you’re still in love. Say something bad about your ex it sounds like you’re bitter. So just zip your lip and focus on the person sitting in front of you. That’s why you’re on the date in the first place, right?

Health Issues Keep your medical records between you and your doc. Apart from being boring, health tales are usually gross and your date doesn’t want to think about your irritable bowel syndrome while he tries to eat his once-appetizing meal. That said, if you have any life-altering diseases (STDs, cancer), you should spill the beans on those by the third date or before you take things to the next level.

Online Experiences Sure, comparing notes is fun. But that’s what your girlfriends—not your dates—are for. Just like hearing about exes, hearing about past dates and prospective matches is a turnoff. Focus on making any first meeting feel natural, even if a dating site had something to do with it.

Money Got it or not, money makes things awkward. Plus, you don’t want something so superficial to become a determining factor in each other’s levels of attraction. Save discussions about your income, rent, and credit card payments for when your relationship gets serious. (Learn about financial infidelity and the money secrets couples keep.)

Religion and Politics These discussions are way too likely to turn into fights. So just steer clear of them for now. One caveat: If you originally met or became attracted to each other because of your religious or political views (for example, you met on JDate, at a political rally, etc), then these topics are fair game.